Key play: With a first-and-10 at the 46-line and the game scoreless, Dingwell hit a short pass to running back Adam Muema, who proceeded to dance and juke his way through several BYU defenders for a 34-yard gain, setting up Chance Marden’s 27-yard field goal.

Key stats: In addition to his big reception, Muema carried 10 times for 55 yards against the No. 2-ranked rush defense in the country.

Not in the boxscore: Perhaps the greatest national anthem ever, delivered by a local child named Noah, whose dream was to sing “The Star Spangled Banner” in front of a big crowd. He confidently powered his way through the difficult song, but being a 9-year-old boy, Noah stopped singing to watch the two jet fighters fly overhead. As they passed, he returned the mic to his mouth and sang, “ … and the ho-o-o-o-me of the brave.” Epic.

SECOND QUARTER

SDSU 6, BYU 3

Key play: After almost two full quarters of offense-free football, BYU had what appeared to be a touchdown on quarterback James Lark’s pass over the middle to wide-open tight end Devin Mahina, who had clear sailing until Aztecs safety Nat Behre cut him off and dropped Mahina six yards shy of the goal-line. BYU wound up with just a field goal instead of a 7-6 lead.

Key stat: One 29-yard penalty. Aztec safety Eric Pinkins’ interception and touchdown return of 40 yards was negated by an illegal-blocking call, putting the ball at the 29-yard line instead and setting up a drive that resulted only in a punt.

Not in the boxscore: The omens were in San Diego State’s favor as they headed into the second quarter. SDSU was 6-1 this season, 11-1 during Rocky Long’s tenure as head coach, when leading after the first quarter.

THIRD QUARTER

SDSU 6, BYU 3

Key play: A conglomeration of three plays, actually, in one sequence. The Cougars had been handed a tremendous opportunity when linebacker Kyle Van Noy shot through and blocked a punt by Seamus McMorrow that gave the Cougars possession of the ball at SDSU’s 35-yard line. The Aztecs defense held the Cougars to zero gain on three snaps to force a punt.

Key stat: Talk about a spread offense. Aztecs quarterback Adam Dingwell had completed nine passes in the first three quarters – one pass apiece to nine different receivers. Conversely, wideout Cody Hoffman had eight catches for BYU.

Not in the boxscore: Aztecs cornerback Leon McFadden already had set the SDSU career record for passes defensed with 38 on a fine play in the first half. He made an even better play in the third quarter, reaching in to bat down what would have been a first-down pass to thwart a promising BYU drive.

FOURTH QUARTER

BYU 23, SDSU 6

Key play: A junior linebacker playing perhaps his last college game before heading to the NFL, Van Noy zoomed in from the outside to smack Dingwell’s arm while the Aztecs quarterback was in the end zone, creating a fumble that Van Noy also recovered for the go-ahead touchdown. Van Noy later intercepted a Dingwell pass and returned that for a TD as well.

Key stat: 17 seconds. The amount of time it took for BYU to go from a 6-3 deficit to a 16-6 point lead, courtesy of two Aztecs fumbles.

Not in the boxscore: The sense of relief and excitement in the Aztecs just one play before Van Noy’s play in the end zone. Defensive back King Holder had just denied the Cougars a possible touchdown with his interception of a ball tipped by Hoffman at the goal line, preserving SDSU’s three-point lead. Momentarily.